People who have written for years are generally only too happy to give advice regarding the act of writing. The advice is mostly focused on the fundamentals of the craft-- storytelling, word usage, story arc, editing and revising.
Don't get me wrong, all of these things are important, along with the hundreds of other bits of advice people offer on the subject. But what about more practical advice? Personally, I think it's about time to focus on what it takes to survive the process itself.
Some of the practical advice that made my short list:
Writing is not something that can be treated like...

Angels Sing to Rest is on tour with Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours though the end of November. What's a blog tour, you ask? Well, it's one of many tools an author uses to promote his or her work to the reading public. In this case, I have hired a company that specializes in promoting crime/mystery novels through book blogs. I signed up for a month long tour (cost depends on how long you want your book on tour) which has given me a new blog stop nearly everyday.
Before the tour began, bloggers signed up to either feature my book, interview me, review my book or have me write a guest blog...

It's contest time!
If you can guess where the title for the second book in the Olivia Gates and Will Green Crime series came from, you'll win a free ebook copy from either Smashwords or Amazon.
I'll give you a little hint- Shakespeare
Here's how you win:
* Leave the full quote and the play it's from, along with how you would like to be contacted, on my facebook page.
*I'll take the names from all the correct answers, and using my old trusty mixing bowl again, I'll stir up the entrants names and choose one from random.
* Winner will be contacted and given his/her choice of ebook...

It's been a long time coming, but Angels Sing to Rest is finally on pre-sale at Amazon and Smashwords. It's about time, I know, but somethings can't be rushed.
Over the next few weeks I'll be posting scenes from the new book, starting with Scene One, Chapter One. Take a peek below. Please share the link to this site or to the purchasing sites if you find you're enjoying the story. Thanks for tuning in!
Chapter One
Vincent Rocha knew he hit her hard, but at the time he figured she deserved it. He paid her good money to do what he wanted and by God she was going to do what he wanted....

Wow! Lots of great stuff happening!
Hello Everyone! Just a quick update to let you know what's been happening.
Well, things have been moving along quite nicely the last few months. The second novel of the Olivia Gates and Will Green crime series, Angels Sing to Rest, is in edits and I should be hearing from my editor within the next month or so. I hope to have that same novel available for ebook and paperback purchase in time for Christmas 2014. Book Three, yet unnamed, is currently under the pen. This novel follows Will Green to his home of Newcastle-Upon -Tyne in Northern England. Be sure...

This week was my last regular post for the blog Readers Unbound. It's a great blog to follow if you love books and the writing process. I had to reluctantly let go of this writing gig because things have become quite busy for me these days, what with promoting my first book, editing/revising my second and writing the third. Below you will find the Readers Unbound post which happens to be about my latest exploit on my journey to authorship.
Over the last year and several months, I have had the privilege of sharing my journey to authorship (among other things) with the followers of Readers...

Goodreads is hosting a 5 book giveaway of my novel, Darkness Knows Me!
This is the first title in my Olivia Gates and Will Green crime series, and what better way to begin reading the series than with a free paperback copy.
Be sure to follow this link directly to the Goodreads giveaway page and put your name in to win a copy. Good Luck!

April Gann just finished designing the cover to the latest installment of my Olivia Gates and Will Green crime series. The new novel, Angels Sing To Rest, is scheduled for release in December 2014, if all goes according to plan. Be sure to check back for sneak peaks from this new title.

I thought I would take a minute to give you an update on what is happening with my first novel, 'Darkness Knows Me' and let you know what you can expect in the future from this crime series and this author.
Well, it has been a long wait for me, but the book has finally gone to print. Paperback copies will be available in a few weeks either at Amazon Books or here on my site. The ebook will also be available soon on Barnes and Noble's NOOK site.
'Darkness Knows Me' will also grace a few bookshelves in Indie Bookstores in the great city of Atlanta, Georgia, as well as library shelves...